The Welsh Government has asked UK’s Department for Work and Pensions to devolve the running of Wales’ two remaining Remploy factories.
The Department for Work and Pensions has said Remploy will invite expressions of interest to take over the running of the remaining factories from today.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The Welsh Government has this morning asked the Minister for Disabled People Esther McVey to devolve the funding, assets, land, buildings and contracts of the two remaining Remploy factories in Wales to the Welsh Government in order to create a viable social enterprise.
“The Minister for Education and Skills Leighton Andrews discussed this in a telephone conversation with Ms McVey this morning.
“Welsh Ministers have opposed factory closures from the start. We have made it clear we do not believe that closing the factories will improve the lives of disabled people and we will be discussing our objections to DWP’s announcement as a matter of urgency.
“We have sought to alleviate the impact of closures by introducing a programme of support to help displaced Remploy workers in Wales to find alternative, suitable employment. The programme has already proven to be successful, with a total of 97 employment opportunities already identified, approved and recruitment underway with 26 employers across a range of business sectors.”
A spokesperson for the DWP said: “Our priority throughout this process is to safeguard jobs, which is why we are offering a wage subsidy of up to £6,400 per disabled employee to encourage interested parties to come forward.
“We have also been clear from the start that we have protected the £320 million budget for disability employment services.
“But we are following the advice of disability expert Liz Sayce to use the money more effectively to get more disabled people into mainstream jobs – the same as everyone else.”
“All disabled employees affected by the changes will be guaranteed tailored support from an £8 million package, including a personal case worker, to help with the transition into mainstream employment.”
The closure of Croespenmaen’s Remploy factory was announced in September this year meaning only Porth and Neath remain.